Dispensary near schools

A marijuana dispensary appears to be moving into a West Kelowna storefront, and residents are concerned about its proximity to local schools.

The empty storefront at 2961 Gorman Rd. has had a new owner working inside for about 10 days.

A business owner in the area said his landlord confirmed the vacant space is being rented as a dispensary.

Just 200 metres away are two schools, Glenrosa Middle School and Glenrosa Elementary.

Castanet wasn't able to speak to anyone at the store, but the City of West Kelowna says as far as it is aware, no one has requested a business licence for that location.

The City of Kelowna made several amendments to its zoning bylaws on Monday, clarifying that storefront retail dispensing and sale of marijuana is not permitted anywhere in the city.

In February, West Kelowna RCMP announced that marijuana dispensaries are illegal and that owners and employees can be charged.

"Owners or employees of a medical marijuana dispensary may be charged with trafficking in a controlled substance should evidence exist to support a charge,” sad Staff. Sgt. Lesli Roseberry said in February.

Kelowna city council will not discuss where marijuana could be sold in the city until both federal and provincial governments determine what powers municipalities can have.

"We are setting up our bylaw to say, in the current retail zoning designations we have, it's not permitted," planner Ryan Smith told council on Monday.

According to The Canadian Press, the Liberals plan to introduce legislation Thursday to put legalization in motion.